Social Networking, Not for Real Friends chastises social networking sites for relying on small features to elicit interest rather than cultivating “higher” notions of community or identity assertion to maintain intrigue.  Such features include sharing status updates, self-generated media, journal entries and other interpersonal communication.  The article also argues that sites based on common interests are more fragile and transient in maintaining user engagement and support, contrary to what many believe is the fundamental motivator for social networking (finding like-minded individuals).

It’s difficult to articulate support for the article’s compelling argument that sites based on common interests are fragile, given the dearth of empirical evidence.  This article also challenges the added-feature strategy that many other articles support; more evidence, again, is needed.